Introduction:
Introduction:
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Drifted is a streetwear brand built on the idea of transforming personal pain into wearable storytelling. We create one-of-a-kind, bleach-painted clothing that reflects mental health journeys and individuality. Our goal is to start conversations and support healing to our customers one hoodie at a time.
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Our Problem:
Our Problem:
Many teens and young adults struggle to express their mental health experiences in a way that feels authentic.
Mainstream fashion focuses on trends, not meaning, leaving many feeling unseen.
Mental health is still stigmatized, especially among youth, and people need more creative, honest outlets for self-expression.
Who are we for?
Who are we for?
Drifted is designed for teens and young adults, specifically those between the ages of 15 and 26. This audience values fashion as a form of personal expression and is deeply invested in issues like mental health, identity, and individuality. They’re tired of brands that feel disconnected from the reality of emotional struggles and are looking for something more real. Drifted speaks to them because it offers more than style; it offers a sense of being seen, of wearing something that reflects who they are and what they’ve gone through. These are people who want their clothes to mean something, not just look good.
Our Evolution:
I knew I wanted to create something emotional and expressive when I started this project. The original idea was centered around using fashion to tell stories of resilience, but the concept went through a lot of changes. I explored several brand names like “Resilience Ink” and “Threaded Scars,” but eventually landed on “Drifted” because it captures the feeling of being lost and then finding yourself again. The spider became the main visual because it’s a symbol of being misunderstood and resilient, just like many people dealing with mental health challenges. I also made big changes to the logo and the brand voice after feedback, simplifying the visuals and shifting from poetic, cryptic language to something more honest and direct while maintaining the more personal and subtle implications of the customer's mental health journey.
Feedback and Learning:
Throughout the semester, feedback played a huge role in shaping Drifted. Peers and teachers helped me see when things weren’t landing for example, early designs were too grungy or confusing, and some of the language felt too vague. Because of this, I rewrote my “About Us” section to be more grounded, redesigned the logo to feel cleaner but still emotional, and created digital tools like a feedback form to learn more directly from others. I also experimented a lot with bleach techniques and learned how to make mistakes part of the design instead of starting over. Every change I made was a direct response to what I learned through testing and conversation.
Reflction:
This project has changed how I think about both creativity and business. At first, I thought I was just making hoodies, but I realized I was building a platform for storytelling and healing. I learned that the best ideas come through trial and error, and that clarity in message is just as important as the product itself. I had to let go of perfectionism, especially when experimenting with bleach designs. I also discovered that the more vulnerable and real I was with my brand voice, the more people connected to it. This whole process taught me how to listen, pivot, and keep creating even when things felt stuck.
Future
Future
After the showcase, I want to grow Drifted into a full brand and community. In the short term, that means adding new products like t-shirts, jackets, and accessories, launching a website with a story submission feature, and growing our social media presence. I also want to collaborate with artists and mental health nonprofits to host workshops or community events. Long term, I see Drifted as a place where people can submit their own stories and receive custom pieces that reflect what they’ve gone through. I want to create a space where creativity and healing meet.
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